Container flap folding apparatus



June 23, 1953 5,14, BERCH Re. 23,669

CONTAINER FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS Original Filed Nov. 28, 1945 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 uvmvrox 7054 H 5550/ arm/205+ Original Filed NOV. 28, 1945 Q Sheets-sheaf. 2

v g INVENTOR.

fin /us; f1. 5526 June 23, 1953 S. H. BERCH CONTAINER FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS Original Filed Nov. 28, 1945 9 she ts-sneak 3 INVEN TOR.

SHMUEL BERG! nrraewa June 23, 1953 s. H. BERCH CONTAINER FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS Original Filed Nov. 28, 1945 9 Sirens-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. 5H :1. H5520! QTTOFA/[V June 23, 1953 s. H. BERCH R 23, 6

- CONTAINER FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS Original Filed Nov. 28, 1945' v 9 Sheets-Sheet 5- v.liya 17,7

INVEN TOR.

' 50 v5; Hanan/- BY Array/v5? M at? 5. H. BERCH CONTAINER FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS June 23, 1953 Original Filed Nov. 28, 1945 5 A W Z W,

fiTTOENEV June 23, 1953 s. H. BERCH CONTAINER FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS Original Filed Nov. 28, 1945 IN VHV TOR.

JHMUEL H. 15:12:.

han

June 23, 1953 s. H. BERCH R 2 .6

CONTAINER FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS Original filed Nov. 28, 1945 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR. .wML/a A! 55201 Reissued June 23, 1953 CONTAINER FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS Samuel H. Berch, deceased, late of Beverly Hills,

Califi, by Arden Farms 00., assignee, Los Angeles, Calif.

Original No. 2,500,922, dated March 21, 1950, Se-

rial No. 631,331, November 28, 1945. Applica tion for reissue January 19, 1953, Serial No.

3 Claims.

This invention relates to packaging devices, and particularly pertains to a packaging machine for ice cream and the like.

The present invention is applicable for use in packaging various products which are in a semifluid condition when packaged, but the invention has particular value in the packaging of ice cream to be dispensed in restaurants, catering estab lishments, soda fountains, and at retail. In dispensing ice cream it has been found that the sale of ice cream in bulk is unsatisfactory for the reason that the ice cream does not maintain a desired consistency and in addition will shrink. It is also common knowledge that the uniform scooping of ice cream from a bulk supply depends upon the skill and care of the dispenser. An additional disadvantage in dispensing from bulk is that water may be carried into the container with the scoop so that ice particles are formed, which render the ice cream unsaleable, and sanitary conditions attendant to the use of a scoop in a bulk container are not desirable. Due to these conditions the merchandiser of ice cream can never be certain of making a fixed profit since the profit may vary. This tends to promote a practice on the part of the merchandiser to skimp in the servings of ice cream or to substitute cheaper grades of ice cream from those which the character of his trade expects.

From the merchandising standpoint there is also I the objection that advertising does not create a sufiicient demand for a particular advertised brand, since in sales from bulk, at least, the retail purchaser cannot identify the product from its appearance. It is therefore desirable to provide a means for packaging ice cream which will utilize a simple and inexpensive package such as disclosed in my co-pending application entitled Carton for Ice Cream and the Like, filed O'ctober 31, 1944, and bearing Serial No. 561,235, which has matured into Patent Number 2,443,530, June 15, 1948, and by which merchandise may be identified and sold at a fixed profit without [reference to the] loss by shrinkage L] or contamination [or] by unsanitary conditions. In order to accomplish these results and to meet competition of bulk ice cream manufacturers it is necessary to provide automatic means by which carton blanks may be folded, filled and closed, and it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a machine for packaging ice cream and the like involving the use of carton blanks as disclosed in the aforesaid application and in which machine blanks are consecutively withdrawn from a magazine, carried to I Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue.

vision of a magazine for carton blanks, means for withdrawing the blanks from the magazine and thereafter placing them in a mold while passing the blank through a folding die by which it will be folded and shaped to conform to the mold, then moving the molds with their folded blanks to a dispensing unit to which ice. cream is delivered from bulk and from which it is discharged into the container in accurately measured quantities, and after which the container is closed, all of said operations taking place along the length of travel of an endless conveyor mechanism.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a view in plan showing the complete machine as designed to form, fill and discharge four containers in one unit of operation.

Fig. 2 is a view in vertical section and elevation as seen on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and shows the driving mechanism for the structure.

Fig. 3 is a view in horizontal section and elevation as seen on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 and shows other details of the driving mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a view in transverse section through the machine as seen on the line 4l of Fig. 2 and illustrates the carton blank feeding mechanism and the means for engaging said blank, folding the same, and placing it within a mold.

Fig. 5 is a view in transverse section through the machine as seen on the line 55 of Fig. l and shows the ice cream measuring and dispensing device.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in section and elevation as seen on the line 6-5 of Fig. 1 and shows the carton closing device in its discharge position.

Fig. 7 is 'a view in vertical section and elevation as seen on the line 1-7 of Fig. 1 and shows the closing device in its open position.

Fig. 8 is a view in vertical section and elevation as seen on the line 8-8 of Fig. 1 and shows the package discharge mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a View in vertical section and elevation as seen on the line 9-9 of Fig. 2 and shows the operating mechanism associated with the forming plunger.

Fig. 10 is a view in vertical section and elevation as seen on the line I 0--I0 of Fig. 1 and shows the feed mechanism for withdrawing a carton blank from the bottom of the magazine and carrying it forwardly to thefolding station.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged view in horizontal section and elevation as seen on the line ll-ll of Fig. 4 and shows the forming plunger and the;

folding die therebeneath.

Fig. 12 is a view in transverse vertical section I through the folding die as seen on the line I2-l 2 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a view in transverse section as seen on the line l3l3 of Fig. 11 and. at right angles to Fig. 12 showing other details of the folding Fig. 12 but with the carton blank vin position preparatory to forming.

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. showing the forming plunger partly moved through the folding die and indicating the folding operation of the cartonv Fig. 17 is a view in vertical section as seen on the line ll-l'l of Fig. 16 and indicates the manner in which the opposite sides of the carton from those shown in Fig. 16 are folded.

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 but indicates the carton in the final stages of folding.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged view in vertical section and elevation as seen on the line l9 l'9 of Fig. 1 and shows the relative position of the folding die, the carton mold, and a folded carton which passes through the folding die and into the mold.

Fig. 20 is a view showing the structure of Fig. 19 and indicates the carton within the mold with the forming plunger partially retracted.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged view in horizontal section and elevation as seen on the line 2i2l of Fig. 20 and shows the carton within the mold preparatory to filling and with the edge gripping members in place.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged view'in horizontal section and elevation showing one of the folded edges of the carton within the mold and indicating the manner in which the carton is folded.

Fig. 23 is anenlarged view in vertical section and elevation as seen on the line 23-23 of Fig. 19 and shows the construction and operation of the carton gripping fingers. 1

Fig. 24 is an enlarged view in vertical section and elevation showing the closing mechanism indicated in Fig. '7.

Fig. 25 is a view showing the structure disclosed in Fig. 24 and indicates the position when the inner top flap is folded.

Fig. 26 is a view showing the closing device with the top cover partially closed.

Fig. 27 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 26 with the carton completely closed.

Fig. 28 is a view showing the completed carton.

Referring particularly. to Fig. 14 of, the drawings, a carton blank is shown with which the present invention is particularly concerned although it is to be understood that the mechanism involving the present invention maybe adapted for use with blanks of other designs. The carton blank, here indicated at H), is designed to form a cube-shaped container. the de tails of which are specifically set forthin my copending application entitled Carton for Ice Cream and the Like, Serial No. 561,235,'filed October 31, 1944 now U. S. Patent- Letters No. 2,443,530. Generally considered, the present in 4 vention is concerned with a machine equipped with magazines. to receive a quantity of the blanks H). to thereafter fold and form said blanks, and to then carry the folded cartons to means by which measured quantities of ice cream may be discharged into the cartons in register therewith and after which the carton may be completely closed and its parts interlocked. to hold the contents of the carton in a closed and sealed condition. It is understood that while the invention is described as being used with ice cream that other products might be used if desired, and it is to be further pointed out that the means for measuring and filling the cartons may be employed with other machinery and with other products than those here shown.

, vIn the drawings, ll indicatesa base structure.

fThis structure is defined by a housing having opposite end walls [2 and I3, opposite side walls I4 and IS, a floor [6, and atop IT. For convenience, the top is substantially at table height. Disposed above the top is a plurality of carton blank magazine units I8, adjacent to which are carton folding and forming units [9. There are also mounted above the top I1 a plurality of product measuring and dispensing units 20 and a plurality of carton closing units 2|. The carton magazine units l8 and the carton closing units 2| are disposed in the path of travel of a conveyor chain 22 and along the straight run 22a thereof. The folding and forming units l9 and the measuring and dispensing units 20 are disposed along the other parallel straight run of the conveyor chain 22, as indicated at 22b. The conveyor chain 22 is led around sprocket wheels 23 and 24 adjacent to the opposite ends of the base structure ll. These sprockets lie in a horizontal plane parallel to the top I! of the base. The sprocket 23 is an idler sprocket mounted upon a vertical shaft 25. The sprocket 24 is a driven sprocket mounted upon a vertical drive shaft 26. The shaft 26 is supported in bearings Hand 28 and is driven intermittently through a mechanism to be hereinafter described.

A power unit for driving the shaft 26 and the other parts of the machine comprises an electric motor 29 mounted within the base structure upon a platform 30. The motor shaft 3| carries pulleys 32 and 33. The pulley 32 receives a belt 34 which is led around a pulley 35 of a compressor 36. The pulley 33 receives a belt 3'! which leads around a pulley 38 mounted upon a horizontally disposed jack shaft 39. This shaft is mounted in bearings 40 resting upon the floor I6 of the base structure at approximately the center thereof. The jack shaft also carries a pulley 4| receiving a belt 42. The belt 42 leads around a pulley 43 mounted upon a jack shaft 44. The jack shaft 44 is suitably supported in bearings 45 carried by a gear box 46. The gear box 46 is also fitted with bearings 41 through which a vertical shaft 48 extends and by which it is rotata bly supported. Mounted upon the shaft 48 is a worm wheel 49 in mesh with a worm gear '50 which is carried upon the jack shaft 44. The vertical shaft 48 is rotatably supported at its opposite ends by bearings carried by the floor and top sections of the base. Mounted upon the shaft 48 at a point beneath the gear box 46 is a disc 5| carrying a pin 5|. The pin 5! is adapted to engage the slots of a Geneva cam 52 which is mounted upon a cam shaft 53. The shaft 53 also carries a relatively large driving gear 23! which is in mesh with a gear 230 mounted upon a vertical shaft 230'. The shaft 230' is mounted in a bearing secured to the floor I5. A vertical shaft 50 is rotatably mounted in a bearing carried by the bottom wall I5 of the housing. A gear 55 is freely mounted on the shaft 56 and is driven by a gear 54 mounted upon shaft 48. Pivoted to the gear 55 is a rack bar 58 which is secured to a pivot pin 59. The rack bar extends horizontally and is held in mesh with a pinion 60 which is freely rotatable upon the drive shaft 26. This pinion is fixed to a disc 6| on the drive shaft 25. At a point .in the margin of the disc BI is a notch having a square shoulder 62. Disposed directly beneath the disc BI is a disc 63. This disc is keyed to the drive shaft 25 and carries a pawl 54 which may fall into the notch and encounter the shoulder 62. A spring 65 urges the pawl 64 inwardly so that it will bear against the periphery of the disc 6|. A notch 65 is formed in the circumferential edge of the disc 63 and is engaged by a pin 61. The pin 51 is carried at one free end of a bell crank 68. This bell crank is pivoted upon a vertical pivot shaft 59 carried in a suitable bearing on the fioor of the base. The other arm of the bell crank 58 extends horizontally and terminates in an arcuate portion I which occurs beneath the gear 55. The radius of this are is struck from the center of the shaft 56 and when the gear 55 rotates in a clockwise direction a pin II thereon will engage the arcuate portion I0 of the bell crank 68 and withdraw the lock pin 61 from the groove 56 in the edge of the disc 53. A spring I2 is fastened to the bell crank and tends to urge the pin 61 against the periphery of the disc 63. A shackle structure I3 embraces the rack 58 and is pivoted upon the shaft 20 so that as the rack reciprocates and oscillates it will be maintained in constant mesh with the pinion 60. By this arrangement the conveyor chain 22 will be driven a predetermined distance at each driving impulse and will be locked against movement in the pause therebetween.

Extending upwardly from the chain 22 at equal spaced intervals along the length thereof are screws I4. These screws receive individual molds or pockets 15 within which cartons made from the blanks I0 are to be placed and filled. The members I5 are substantially U-shaped and have a bottom wall [5 and parallel vertical walls 11. The vertical walls extend in planes normal to the longitudinal center of the sprocket chain 22.

The sides of the molds I5 are open.

The first operation of the machine is to withdraw carton blanks from the magazine units I0 and to fold and shape these blanks in the units I9. It will be seen from an examination of Fig. 1 that this particular machine has been designed to form and fill four cartons simultaneously while the machine operates intermittently to successively prepare and fill groups of four cartons. Thus, when one of the complete units is described it is to be understood that the reference numerals apply equally to all of theunits of the same kind. The magazine units, as illus-' trated in Fig. of the drawing, comprise a frame I8 which is supported in a horizontal plane above the top I! of the base structure by uprights 19. Extending upwardly from the uprights are pockets 80 which form a magazine into which the blanks I0 are positioned. By reference to Fig. 1 it will be seen that the central rectangular portion of the blank is disposed between the pockets 00, that an inner sealing flap 8| thereof projects horizontally and toward the folding units, and

that an outer cover flap 82 projects in the opposite for a container.

direction. The blanks are temporarily held sothat they will be consecutively drawn from the bottom of the magazine and transferred horizontally to the folding and forming units I9. As shown in Fig. 10 this is accomplished by a suction cup 83 which is carried upon an oscillating tubular arm 84. The arm is mounted upon a the cup and also communicates with a suction pipe 86.- The suction pipe leads to a distributing pipe 81 which extends downwardly to connect to a suction pump 88. By reference to Fig. 9 of the drawing it will be seen that the suction pump is provided with a plunger 89 secured to a plunger rod 90. The rod 90 extends vertically and carries a roller 9| at its upper end. The roller 9I is engaged by the periphery of a cam 92 mounted upon a horizontal power shaft 93. The power shaft 93 is rotatably supported inbearings 94 and 95. This shaft also carries a cam 96 which engages-a cam roller 91. The cam roller is supported upon a cam arm 98. This arm is rigidly secured to a vertically moving lift rod 99. otally connected to a lever arm I00 by a pin IOI. The arm I00 is fixed to the shaft 85.

scribed, and when the lift rod 99 moves upwardly, as indicated by the arrow, the tubular member 84 with the vacuum cup 83 will swing downward- 1y. Mounted upon the shaft for free rotation are sprockets I02. Two of these sprockets are provided for each of the magazine units and are spaced from each other as shown in Fig. 1 to receive feed chains I03. These feed chains are led around sprockets I04 mounted upon a shaft I05.

The shaft I05 extends through the frame structure I8 and is rotatably supported thereby. The feed chains I03 are disposed beneath the magazine-stacks and receive the carton blank I0 to move it horizontally and to position it properly with relation to a folding die I06. By reference to. Fig. 4 of the drawing it will be seen that a horizontal floor I0! extends over the upper run of the chains I03 and across and above the folding die. The detailsof the folding die will be described hereinafter. In Fig. 4, however, it

will be seen that a plunger I08 is mounted upon rests continuously upon. the edge face of a cam" This cam is fixed upon the shaft 93 and H8. is thus driven in synchronism with other cams which are mounted upon the timing shaft 93.

In order to describe the folding action by which the blank I0 is folded to form the carton to be filled the construction of the blank should be described. By reference to Fig. 14 it will be seen that the blank is scored so that it has a center field I20. This field provides the bottom of the carton. At the opposite sides of the scored field are side panels I2 I, I22, I23 and I24. In the final blank these panels are folded at right angles to the field I20 to provide solid side Walls Intermediate the panels The upper end of this lift rod is ply-- This shaft carries the set of tubular arms 84 previously de-" This arm extends cacao 7 and I22 is a gusset panel comprising triangular portions I25-a and I25-b. The field including these. portions is of the same size as the side panels. Intermediate the side panels I22 and I23 is a gusset panel comprising triangular portions I26-a and I26-b. These are here shown as agreeing in size with the side panels. Intermediate the panels I23 and I 24 is a gusset field comprising portions I21-a and I21-b, and intermediate the side panels I2I and I24 is a gusset panel comprising portions I28-a and I-b. The

panel portions I21-a and I28-a are substantially the same size as the triangular portions I-a and 126-9.. The panels I21-b and cut away along their outer edges to provide clearance, as will be hereinafter explained. The

panel I24 has an inner cover panel I29 hinged at This panel agrees substantially in its outer edge. dimension with the panel I20 and has a flap I29 atits free end which is folded to provide means by which the panel I29 may be pulled from over the top of the contents of the container. At the outer edge of the panel I22 is a field I30 which agrees in dimensions with the field I29,

and provides the top cover for the container. At opposite sides of this field are sealing flaps I3I and I32. These are substantially triangular although they have outer curved ends I33 and I34 which terminate in lock tangs I35 and I36. When the container is closed the lock tangs are inserted into lock slots I31 and I39 which lie on the angular portions of the gussets along their diag-.

onal score lines and on the outsides' of vthe side panels I2I and I23. It is also intended to fold the gusset panels so that the triangular gusset portions I20-a and I26-b lie directly against the panels I 2| and I23, respectively, with the gusset portions I21-a and I28-a overlapping and lying against the gusset portions I25-b and I26-b.

This will provide an outside pocket'between the panel portions I28-a and I28-b' on one ,side of the container and between the panel portions I21-a and I 21-h upon the opposite side of the container. Due to the fact that the outer edges of the portions I21-b and I28-b are shorter, as indicated at I39 in Fig. 28, it will be possible to easily insert the flaps I3I and I32 into the pockets and to introduce the locking tangs I31 and I30.

The folding and forming operations are performed by the units I9. These units, as generally indicated in Fig. 4, comprise a folding die I05 and a forming plunger I00. The plunger reciprocates through the die and deposits a folded carton blank I0 into a mold 15 which istherebeneath and in vertical register therewith. The plunger agrees in horizontal cross-section with the shape and dimensions of the field I20 of the blank. The folding die is illustrated in Figs. 11-22, inclusive. Here it will be seen that the frame 18 supports a plate I40 which is in the plane of the floor I01. Figs. 11 and 13 of the drawing, is formed with a central opening I4I through it. This opening has a. central portion agreeing substantially with the width of the carton as indicated at I42. This portion has upper and outwardly extending This plate, as shown in curved edges I43 and downwardly extending parallel lengths I44 along one side; and similar portions I43 and I44 on the other side. These provide an initial throat through which the blank is carried by the plunger. 'The throat engages the side panels I2I and I23 of the blank to fold them upwardly. The portions I43 and I44 are of a horizontal length agreeing substantially with the width of the panels I2I and I23 of the blank. At the opposite sides of the portions I44 and I44 are cutaway openings I45 and I46." The opening I 46 is defined by straight edges I41 and I48 which are in the same plane and lie along substantially the plane of the panel I24 of the carton when it is folded. The edge portions I41 extend laterally from the opening I4I which occurs between the members I44 and I44". The length of these edges is suflicient to accommodate the partially folded gusset portions I21-a and I21-b on one side and I28-a and I2B-b on the opposite side. The ends of the opening I45 terminate in edges I49 and I50 which are parallel and at right angles to edges I41 and I48. Connecting with these edges are obliquely disposed edges I5I and I52 which extend inwardly and connect with short parallel faces I53 and I54 spaced from each other a distance substantially agreeing with and accommodating the width of the field I29. The edges I53 and I54 are connected by a straight edge I55.

As shown in Fig. 13 of the drawing a curved plate I56 extends inwardly and downwardly beneath the plate I40 from a point contiguous to the edge I55of the opening I 45. This plate has a curved portion terminating in a downwardly extending vertical wall I51. The opening I46 in the plate I40 is designed to accommodate the wall panel I22 and the gusset panels I25-a and I25--b on one side and the panel portions I26-a and I2fi-b on the opposite side. Since these gussets must be folded over and against the sides I2I and I23 of the carton before the other gussets are folded the opening I46 is formed to accommo date the gussets as they swing; Referring to Fig. 11 it will be seen that the opening I46 is'defined by an edge I58 which is parallel to the side face of the plunger I08 designed to engage the panel I22 of the carton blank. Extending oppositely from the edge I58 are oblique edges I59 and IE0 which terminate in edges I B! and I62, respectively. These edges are in the same plane with the edges I49 and I50 of the opening I45. The edges ISI 7 and IE2 extend substantially to the median line of the opening I42 where they continue in inwardly inclined edges I63 and I64. Curved edges I35 and IE6 form continuations of these edges, after which the opening is completed by oblique edges I61'and I 68. It will thus be seen that the opening I40 may be generally considered as U-shaped and extending along one side of the path of the plunger I08 and partially around the two continguous sides thereof. These portions accommodate the gusset fields occurring at each side of the side Wall I22 and allow these fieldsto fold and swing inwardly against the sides I2I and I23 of the container blank. Mounted beneath the is a gear rack I81.

9 which the inner faces ofthe members I44 and By reference to Fig. 13 of the drawing it will be seen that the members I'll and I12 extend horizontally from the inner face of the member I59 and that they are defined by an upper horizontal edge I13 which emanates from the convexed surface of the plate I69 and overlaps the members I44 and I44 for a distance representing approximately one-fourth of the width of these members. The edge I13 continues in an oblique edge I14 which extends downwardly and across the center line of the path of travel of the plunger I08 to a point below the lower horizontal edges of the members I44 and I44 and approximately three-fourths of the width of these mem bers. A vertical edge I15 continues from the lower end of edge I14 to intersect the plane of a horizontal edge I16. This edge extends tothe vertical portion I of the plate I69. By the combined action of the plate I69 and the gusset folding members HI and I12 the field I22 of the carton blank is forced inwardly to a vertical position and the tangs adjoining this field are folded together as they move down the members Ill and I12 and along the inclined edges I14.

The folding of the gusset fields adjoining the field I24 of the carton blank is accomplished by the plate I56 and a pair of folding elements I11 zontal, as indicated at I19 in Fig. 13 of the drawing. This edge is in a horizontal plane between the horizontal planes of the lower edges of members I44 and I44 and the lower edges I16 of the members HI and I12. The members I11 and I18 have a lower horizontal edge I80 parallel to the edge I19 and lying in a plane below the plane of the lower edges I16 of the members HI and I12. The opposite ends of the members from their point of connection upon the portion I51 are free and extend vertically, as indicated at I8I. These edges stand in relatively close proximity to the inner face of the portion I10 of the plate I69 and thus fold the gusset portions I 21-a and I21-b against the sides of the carton at one side and the gusset portions I28-a and I28-|b against the sides of the carton at the opposite sides The plunger I08 is designed to have a stroke which will cause it to move entirely down through the folding and forming die I06 and into the molds carried .by the sprocket chain 22, from which point the sprocket chain carried the formed containers to the filling units 20. i

As previously explained, the plungers I08 are caused to reciprocate through the action of cam I I8 on the timing shaft 93. This timing shaft extends longitudinally of the machine and through given an alternate drive motion through a cam I83 which is mounted upon the shaft 93. This cam receivesra roller I84 mounted upon the free end of a cam lever I85 which is pivoted to a cross frame member I88. Connected to the lever I85 This rack reciprocates verflaring extensions :tically and engages a pinion I88 which is fixed on the end of the sprocket chain shaft I05. This will insurethat the shaft I05 will be alternately rotated to drive the upper run of the chain I03 back and forth so that a lug I03 may engage the rear edge of'the lowermost blank I0 withdrawn .from a magazine and carry it horizontally in a position over the folding dies.

Thev plungers I08 which cooperate with the folding dies I06 are supported on individual standards I09 which are carried by a crosshead I09 a shown in Fig. 3. The opposite ends of the crosshead are reciprocably mounted upon cylindrical posts I89 which are secured to the floor I6 of the base portion of the machine. Each of the posts I89 have a gear rack I90 cut longitudinally of one face. Each of the racks I90 receives a gear pinion I9I. As shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, these pinions are mounted upon the opposite ends of a shaft I92 rotatably supported from the. member I09 by bearings I93. By this arrangement the crosshead I09 which is lifted from its center by the lever arm II5 will be caused to move vertically while maintained in a horizontally aligned position. This will prevent the crosshead from binding on either one of the posts I89.

It will be obvious that when the plungers I08 are retracted from the containers which have been deposited in the molds 15 there will be a tendenc for the gussets to spread and thus to force the fields I2I and I23 of the blank inwardly. It is necessary to hold the gussets and the adjoining wallsin a firmly folded condition so that they will not interfere with a subsequent filling operation. By reference to Figs. 19, 21, 22 and 23 it will be seen that means are provided to hold the folded gussets. In Fig. 23 the molds 15 are shown in detail. .Here it will be seen that they comprise a U-shaped structure having a bottom wall I94 and substantially parallel side walls I95 .and I96. The dimensions of the bottom wall I94 since the shoulder is of a height to accommodate them- Mounted in the side walls I95 and I96 are finger structures 200 and 20I. These structures; as shown in Figs. 19 and 21, have a central relatively narrow portion 202 which fits within a slit 203 in the side walls of the molds. .4 transverse bore in the side wall of the mold accommodates a threaded pivot pin 204. As shown in Fig. 22 of the drawing the section of .the fingers 200 and 20I is T-shaped so that the enlarged outer portion will abut against the outer face's of the side walls I 95 and I96 and limit the inward swinging movement. At the lower ends of the finger structures outwardly 205 occur. Compression springs 20'8 bear against these extensions and tend to swing the fingers 200 and 20I inwardly.

.The upper ends of the fingers are formed with hOQk-Shtpfid; tips 201 which swing to a position in -a plane lower than the plane of the shoulders ,I99 on the side walls.

Thus they will hook over the'folds of the gussets and the contiguous side wall and hold these members in a tightly compressed condition as the molds 15 travel to the measuring and dispensing units 20.

The measuring and dispensing units 20 involve novel means for measuring quantities of semisolid material and for discharging it in predetermined measured quantities to a container. The structure is simple and may be made easily from stainless steel so that the parts may be quickly removed, separated and sterilized when required. Each of the measuring units comprises an outer cylindrical shell 298. This shell is secured to a horizontal floor plate 299 which is disposed above the path of travel of the conveyor chain 22 and is parallel to the top wall I1 of the base structure.

The shell 208 is formedwith' a bottom wall 2|9.

Valve ports 2 and 2|2 are formed through the bottom wall 2"] and the plate 209. These ports are spaced equally from the. center of the shell upon diametrically opposite sides thereof and with their central axes in the same plane as the vertical center of the shell. This plane is normal to the path of travel of the conveyor chain 22. The center line of the valve port 2|2 is in vertical alignment with the center of the run of conveyor chain which passes beneath the plate 299. The upper end of the cylindrical shell 298 is open and receives a measuring valve 2 I 3. This valve is formed with a plurality of measuring I Mounted to reciprocate in each of the cylinders 2M and 2 l5 are pistons 2|6, each of which carry a plunger rod 2|1 at its upper end. These plunger rods each extend through a packing gland 2|9. The lower ends of the cylinders 2|4 and 2l5 are of the same diameter as the ports 2H and 2|2. Thus when the lower opened ends of the cylinders register with the valve ports 2| l and 2|2 a clear and unobstructed passageway will be formed. Secured beneath the valve port 2| is a manifold conduit 2|9 which extends horizontally and is formed with a plurality of lateral connections 220, one of which is in direct communication with each of the Valve ports 2| As shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing the conduit 219 is of larger cross-section than the connections 229. A feed pipe 22| connects with the manifold as shown in Fig. 1 'of the'drawing, and this in turn leads to a source of ice cream supply from which ice cream is delivered under pressure in a semi-fluid state to the machine. The opposite ends of the manifold are provided with removable plugs 222 which permit free access to the manifold so that the interior thereof may be cleaned and scalded when desired. 7 Disposed beneath the valve port 2l2 is a nozzle 223. This nozzle has a discharge end of reduced'diameter so that the ice cream forced from a measuring cylinder will be discharged into a carton disposed therebeneath. Mounted upon the upper end of each of the measuring valves 2 l3 is a gear 224. This gear extends around the perimeter of the portion of the valve which projects above the cylindrical shell 208. Each of the gears 224 is in mesh with a pinion 225. The pinions are mounted upon a series of vertical shafts 226.

, These shafts extend downwardly into the base structure of the machine and are rotatably supported by bearings 221 and 228. Secured upon each of the shafts 226 at a point within the base structure is a pinion 229. These pinions, as shown in Fig. 3 of the-drawing, are spaced an equal distance apart so that intermediate pin- 12 ions 230 may be in mesh with the pinions 229 on each side thereof. This provides'a gear train which will cause all of the pinions 229 to rotate in the same direction when driven from one of the gears. As shown in Fig. 3 of the drawing, the intermediate pinion 239 is in mesh with a large driving gear 23|. This gear is carried on shaft53 upon which the Geneva gear 52 has previously been described as being rotated. The gear ratio is such as to insure that at each movement of the Geneva gear 52 the gear train, comprising gears 229 and 230, will rotate one-half a revolution. This in turn will alternately dispose the measuring cylinders 2|4 and 2|5 into register with the valve port 2 I2 and the discharge nozzle 223 while the other cylinder will be in register with the manifold conduit 2|9.

In order to eject ice cream from the cylinder 2 I4 or 2 5 which is in register with the valve port 2|2 a rocker arm 2-32 is provided for each of the dispensing units. These rocker arms are mounted upon standards 233. The standards 233 are secured to the base and extend upwardly therefrom to carry a rocker arm shaft 234. In Fig. 5 of the drawing it will be seen that an actuating arm 235 is fixed on the shaft 234 and is pivotally connected at 235 with a pitman rod 231. The lower end of this rod is connected to a fitting 238 by a pivot pin 239. This fitting has a threaded bore in its lower end to receive the upper threaded end 240 of a lift rod MI. The lift rod is provided with an adjusting nut 242 .which makes it possible to vary the effective length of the lift rod and to thus control the length of travel of the pistons 2l6. The lift rod MI is reciprocably mounted in bearings 243 and 244 so that the rod may move vertically. A fitting 245 is secured upon the lift rod 24| and is connected to a link 246 by a pivot 241. The upper end of the link 246 is provided with a pivot pin 248 which connects with one arm of a bell crank 249. The bell crank is mounted on brackets 259 within the base structure upona pivot shaft 25L The opposite arm of the bell crank extends downwardly and carries a cam roller 252 which rests against the surface contour of a cam 253. This cam is fixed on the timing shaft 93.

It is to be pointed out that the run of conveyor chain which passes beneath the discharge spouts I23 are led between a pair of spaced side rails 254 and 255. opposite sides of the molds 15 and in effect provide a rectangular container within which the carton is confined while traveling beneath the filling units 29. The conveyor chain 22 passes along a pair of spaced guide rails 256 and 251. A portionof the chain and brace plates 258 travel along a path beneath said guide rails.

After the cartons have been filled they are carried by the conveyor chain to the closing units 2|. These units are disposed along the return run of the chain 22. The closing units are distributed in spaced relation along a pair of guide plates 259 and 260 between which the molds15 are drawn. At each of the closing unit stations there is a folding member 2|5| and a final closing mechanism 262. The folding member and its operating means are indicated in Fig. 6 of the drawing as [dissociated] disassociated from the closing mechanism. The closing mechanism is indicated in Fig. 7 of the drawing with the folding member removed for the sake of clarity. As shown in Fig. 6 of the drawing the folding member comprises a lever arm 263 pivotally mounted upon a pin 264 carried by the guide plate 260.

These temporarily close the 3 Disposed at right angles to the arm 263 is a plate 285 which is so positioned as to assumea horizontal position directly over the top of a carton within a mold 15. This member therefore folds the field I29 downwardly over the contents of the carton and allows the end tang I29 to fold upwardly at right angles thereto. Formed at the end of the plate 285 is a plate 28f6 which engages and folds the tang I29 and agrees in dimensions with the top field I30 of the blank.

The folding members 26| are operated by a lever arm 261 which is fixed to the pivot shaft 264 and is designed to swing upwardly At the outer end of each of the lever arms 261 is a pivotpin 268 which engages a yoke 269. The upper end of this yoke carries a rod 210 upon which a spring 2 1| is mounted and is held by a nut 212. The rod 210 extends through an opening in a lever arm 213. This arm is carried on a horizontal pivot shaft 214 mounted in standards 215. A forked portion 216 is formed on the opposite end of the lever 213 and receives pins 211. The pins 211 are carried upon an operating rod 218 which reciprocates vertically and is mounted within bearings 219 and 280 within the base structure. Secured upon the lift rod is an arm 28| "carrying a cam roller 282 upon a shaft 283. The cam roller 282 is disposed beneath and engages the surface of a cam 284 which is mounted upon the timing shaft 93. A compression spring 285 is disposed between the bearing 280 and the arm 28I and acts to urge the operating rod 218 upwardly. The closing mechanism 262 comprises a swinging plate 288 mounted upon a pivot'pin 281 at the upper edge of the-guide plate 259. This plate carries an arcuate pin 288 which extends through an opening 289 in a plate 290 which carries side flap folding members-29 I. The plate 290 is mounted to pivot freely upon pivot shaft 281. A spring 292 is mounted upon the pin 288 and rests against the outer face of the plate 290 so that when the plate 286 swings toward an operative position it will draw the plate 290 and the side members 29| with it, allowing them however to [be urged yieldably by] yield may from plate 286 thus compressing the spring [288] 292. The side flap folding members 29| are spaced a distance apart agreeing with the' width of the carton so that the flap portions |3I and I32 of the blank will be folded'in at right angles. to the plane of the field I30.

The plate 286 is fastened to the shaft 281. This shaft also carries a lever arm 293 which is fixed to the shaft 281 to produce rotation thereof. An overhead arm 294 is secured to the end of the lever 293 by a pivot pin 295. This arm is bent so that in its normal position the main body of the arm will extend horizontally above the container and provide suitable clearance. The arm 294 extends through a slotted opening 296 in an oscillating lever 291. A pin 298 on the arm 294 extends laterally from the arm and engages a face on the oscillating lever 291 whereby the arm is moved forwardly. A tension spring 299 engages the free end of the oscillating lever 291 at one end and engages a pin 300 on the arm 294. at its opposite end. This :acts to hold the arm 294 and the lever 291 in yieldable engagement. The. oscillating lever 291 is mounted upon a pivot shaft 30 I. The shaft 30| is carried on bearing brackets 302. This shaft also carries a forked arm 303 which engages lateral pins 304 in a lift shaft 305. The lift shaft 305 is mounted in bearings 306. and 301 and vertically reciprocates. An arm,308 is rigidly secured to the shaft 305 and carries a j edge of a cam 328. The cam is mounted upon the .timing shaft 93.

cam roller 309. This roller engages a cam I310 mounted upon the timing shaft 93.

Referring to Fig. 8 of the drawing, a mechanism is provided for ejecting the filled and closed cartons from the molds 15. The ejecting mechanism comprises a horizontal shaft 3 which is mounted in the frame structure 18 supported upon the top wall of the sub frame by the standards 19. It will be recognized that the frame 18 is the same frame which supports the magazine for the blanks I0 and the feed mechanism therefor. The shaft 3 carries a plurality of fingers 3 I 2, one of which registers with a mold 15 during the period when the molds stand stationary. These fingers have a horizontal portion which partially overhangs the molds and inclined ends which extend beyond the inner side of the molds. The inclined ends terminate in a hook 3|3. The fingers 3 l 2 are mounted to sweep across the molds between the side walls 26 and 21 and to dislodge the filled container from its seated position. The shaft 3| carries an operating lever 3I4 to which a link 3I5 is attached by a pivot pin 3|,8. The opposite end of the link is provided with a pin -3|1 by which it is attached to a lever arm 3|8.

The lever arm 3| 8 is mounted upon the shaft 3|9 carried upon standards 320. The standards rest upon the top H of the base structure. Secured upon the shaft 3|9 is a forked arm 32| which straddles the lift bar 322. The lift bar 322 reciprocates vertically in bearings 323 and 324 Near the upper end of the bar are pivot pins 325 which engage the forkin the member 32|. An arm 326 is fixed to the lift bar 322 and carries a cam roller 321 which rests upon the peripheral In order to interrupt the driving action from the motor 29 to the various driving shafts a clutch 329 is provided. This clutch is fitted with a shifting arm 330 which can be operated from the front of the machine.

In some instances the drive belt 31 may stretch so that it must be tightened. This is accomplished by rotating a hand crank 33I which is mounted upon a shaft 332. The shaft extends vertically within the base structure and is supported upon bearings 333. A bevel gear 334 is carried at the lower end of the shaft 332. This gear is in mesh with a gear 335 carried upon a threaded shaft 336. By rotation of the threaded shaft 336 the motor 29 may be shifted horizontally upon its bed plate 331.

In operation of the present invention the motor 29 is started. This drives the motor shaft 3| which in turn drives the vacuum pump 36 through the pulleys 32 and 35 and the belt 34. At the same time the pulley 33 is rotated. This drives the belt 31 leading around a pulley 38 on the shaft 39. In the event the clutch 329 is set the shaft will imp-art rotation to the pulley 4|. vThis will drive the pulley 43 by means of a belt shaft 48 and the worm wheel I82 is mounted upon the timing shaft 93. When the vertical shaft 48 is driven it will impart rotation to the spur gear 54 which is in mesh with the spur gear 55 mounted upon the shaft 56. As the spur gear 55 rotates it will impart a combined oscillating and reciprocating motion to the gear rock 58.

'10 of the bell crank lever 68. imparted to the shaft 26 the sprocket 24 will rofeed station I8. Assuming that a set of empty molds I5 is in the arrow a, as indicated in Fig, I0.

15 This in turn will drive the gear pinion 60 upon the vertical conveyor sprocket shaft 26 As the rack reciprocates the member BI will rotate so that the pawl B4 on'the disc 63 will engage the notch 62 and thus impart a partial rotation to theshaft 26.

This only takes place when the member 61 is out of engagement with the notch 66 formed on the circumferential edge of the member 63'. This disengagement occurs when the pin II on the. gear 55 encounters the portion When rotation is tate and drive the conveyor chain 22 as well as "the idler sprocket 23 at the opposite end of the base structure II. The gear ratio is so designed as to insure that the chain will move the distance represented by the spacing of four of the molds 15 so that they will simultaneously register at the blank feeding station I8, the forming and folding station I9, the measuring and filling station 20, the final closing station 2I, the discharge station which occurs beneath the blank [injits initial position beneath the various units 'of the blank feeding station I8 the blank feeding operation is as follows: Thetiming shaft 93 rotates the cam 96. This initially causes the lift rod 99 to move downwardly with the result that the arms 84 carrying the vacuum cups 83 will swingupwarclly and contact the lowermost carton blank to in each of the magazines compris- -ing uprights 19-.

At this time the shaft. 93 will operate the cam '92 to move the plunger 89 downwardly in the cylinder 38, as shown in Fig. -9. This will cause a suction impulse to be created within the tube 81 so that a vacuum will be drawn in each of the vacuum cups 83. In synchronism with this action the cam 96 will lift the member Bland will swing the arms 84 downwardly so that each of the suction cups 83 will pull the lowermost carton blank I from the magazine and place it in a horizontal plane where it may be engaged by the lug I03 of each of the feed chains I03. The chain I03 will then feed the carton blank horizontally and in the direction of The feeding operation of the chain is brought about by the cam I83 upon" the timing shaft 93 which 2 moves the cam roller I84 and the member I85.

This causes the gear rack I81 to reciprocate vertically and rotate the pinion I80 which is carried upon the sprocket shaft I05. The alternate vertical reciprocation of the rack I81 will thus cause the upper run of the feed chain I03 to 'move forwardly and to thereafter move in a retracting direction. When the feed chain moves forwardly it will shift the carton blanks I0 to a horizontal position resting upon the top plate or table I01 and properly centered over the folding dies I06, as indicated in Fig. 15 of the drawing. It will be understood that the blanks were fed forwardly between the guide members of frame I8 and are thus held against lateral shifting action. When the blank is disposed over the folding die its fields 'I24 and I29 and the adjoining gusset portions will be over opening I45 and the fields of the blank I22 and I30 and the adjoining gusset portions will be over the opening I46. At this time the plungers I08 move downwardly in the direction of the arrow b, as indicated in Fig. 4. The downward movement of the plungers is controlled by'the cam III! upon the timing shaft 93. As the cam swings downwardly the lever arm I I will swing downwardly in the direction of the arrow 0.

This will allow the cross-framemember I09 to move downwardly, and since it carries the standards I09 the plungers I08 will simultaneously move down'to engage the carton blank I0 and to carry it through the die I06 upon which it rested. In this operation the end of the plunger I08 will engage the field I20 of the blank, forcing it down between the members I44 and I44. As this takes place the fields I2I and I23 will fold upagainst the sides of'the plunger I08 and the corner gusset sections will tend to fold at the opposite ends of the openings I45 and I46, as shown in Fig. 16.

As the plunger I08 continues to move downwardly, as indicated in Fig. 17, it will be seen that the field I30 will engage the curved member I09 and that the field I24 will engage the curved member I56. This will tend to force these fields in against the opposite sides of the plunger I08. As this takes place the gusset portions I25-a and 'I25-b will tend to fold over the field I23. The diagonal lines of the folds will then engage the inclined faces I14 of the folding blades HI and I12, after which the diagonal fold edges of the gusset portions I28-a and I2B-o at one side of the field I24 and I2'I-a and I2l-b at the opposite side of the field I24 will fold over the previously folded gussets as the last named gussets engage the folding blades I11 and I'IIl. This willcause a complete rectangular carton to be formed and folded as the carton continues downwardly, as indicated in Fig. 18 of the drawing.

The plungers I08 then carry the'folded'blanks into the molds 15 which are in register at the folding and forming stations. As the plungers I08 move downwardly between the sides of the molds I5 they will encounter the inclined faces of the fingers MI and 202 shown in Fig. 23 of the drawing. These fingers will thus swing outwardly in the direction of the arrows d so that the bottom panel I20 of the carton will rest upon the member I94. Thus the upper edges of the gusset portions of the carton and the side walls I2I and I23 will tend to move outwardly beneath the shoulders I29 on the side walls, and when the plungers I08 are withdrawn the ends 20? of the fingers 202 will swing inwardly and hook over the folded "edges of thecarton, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 22. Here it will be seen that the carton fields I22 and I24 will beat opposite ends of the molds "I5, and that the intervening wall sections shown in this figure of the drawing comprise field I2I which is innermost and against which gusset section I25-a rests. The gusset section I25-b is folded over gusset section 'I25-a and gusset section I28-a is folded against gusset section I25-b. The gusset portion I2B-b is folded over the portion I28-a. A pocket will be formed therefore between the gusset sections I28a and I28-b. The ends of the fingers 202 will hold the folded side walls in this position while the cartonsare carried in the molds and placed beneath and in register with the set of discharge nozzles I23. It will be assumed that at this time the measuring cylinders 2 I5 will be filled and will be in register with the folded and formed cartons. The piston 2I6 therein will be in its uppermost position and will hold the plunger rods 2I'I at the top of their strokes so that theymay be engaged by the free ends of the levers 232-. These levers are forced downwardly in the direction of the arrow e, as indicated in Fig. 5 of the drawing, and will force the ice cream from the cylinder 2 I5 and into the carton therebeneath. This operation is brought about'by movement of the cam 253 as it causes the lift rods 24I to be raised and'lowered. In order to obtain exact quantities of material within the cartons the effective length of the rod 24I may be varied by adjusting it within the threaded fitting 233. It is to be understood that while the cylinders 2I5 are being emptied by the downward swinging movement of the levers 232 the cylinders 2I I are being filled by the semi-solid material deliveredto the manifold 2 I 9. This material will be forced upwardly into the cylinder 2I4 and will lift the piston therein until the space within the cylinder and beneath the piston has been filled. The position of the cylinders 2 I4 and 2 ISwill-be interchanged during the period between the movement of the conveyor chain 22 to position a set of molds I at the various operating stations. ders 2| 4 and 2I5 is brought about by an intermittent drive structure comprising Geneva gear elements 5| and 52. The element 5| is a disc mounted upon the shaft 48 and the element 52 is a Geneva cam mounted upon the shaft 43, thus an intermittent driving motion of the shaft 53 takes place in timed sequence with the operation of the timing shaft 93. As the shaft 53 rotates it will drive the gear 23I which in turn will drive the gear 230. The gear 230 will drive the gears 229 and the shaft 226 upon which they are mounted. The shafts 226 drive the gears 225, and since these gears are in mesh with the gears 224 carried by the measuring valves 2I3 these cylinders will rotate intermittently within the cylindrical shells 208. When the set of cartons has been filled at the measuring and dispensing station the drive chain 22 is again driven to bring the filled cartons to the closing station, as generally indicated at 21.

When the carton has reached the closing station the flaps I29 and I30 of the carton will be standing vertically. It is necessary to first fold the flap I29 down over the filled carton. This is done as shown in Fig. 6 by the operation of the cam 284 which [lifts] depresses the bar 218 and acts to swing the lever 26? upwardly [while] thus causing the folding structure 26I to swing downwardly over the top of the container. As this takes place the end tang I29 will be folded against the inner face of the field I30 of the carton blank as shown in Fig. 25. Operating in synchronlsm with the folding unit 26I is the final closing unit 262. This begins to fold over the top of the container as the folding unit 26I swings away from its folding position, as shown in Fig. 26 of the drawing. The members 286 and 290 [will] swing over the top of the container [and will fold] until side members 291 come to rest on upper ends of side walls 195 and 196 of the mold 75. This halts rotation of member 290 with shaft 287 while member 286 continues to so rotate to a horizontal position (Fig. 27) in which it folds the top field I30 down in a position to cover the field I29. [At this time] During this action, the side members I [will swing down to] hold the side tangs I3I and I32 flat and in [a] vertical [plane] planes. These tangs [will] are thus caused to enter the pockets formed between the folds of the gusset portions I28a and I28b on one side of the carton and I2'Ia and I21b on the opposite side of the carton. As the tangs I33 and I34 are inserted into the pockets formed by the gussets they will be forced downwardly, as shown in Fig. 27, until the locking tangs I35 and I36 find the locking slits I31 and I38 at the The interchange of position of the cylinfold of thegusset portions. -sThese locking tangs wilLthuS be .forced through -these-slits -to alooking position and will act t'ohold :thef-folded: side walls shown in Fig. 22 so=thatthey will not spread and-will'not allow liquid or other-extraneous material from-finding its way inwardly between the folds to contaminate the contents of the package]; I. a;- v,

When the conveyor chain 22 isnext actuated it will place the finally filled-andclosed'contain ers in register with the members I32 disposed beneath the carton blank magazines.-- In 'this position the cam 328 will act to lift -the' rod 322.- This-in turn will .causethe lever 3I4 to swing and will cause the ejector fingers 312- to swing inthe direction of'the arrow f I As these fingers sweep across the moldsand between their upright sides the filled and closed cartons will be pushed from the molds I5 and may be carried away in suitable containers to be-placed in a freezing compartment.

It will thus be seen that the machine here disclosed provides suitable and efficient means for forming, filling and closing cartons containing a food product in a manner to insure that the product will not at any time be touched with human hands, and that the structure may be maintained in a sanitary condition in conformity with the health laws of any community.

While [I] we have shown the preferred form of [my] our invention as now known to [me] as, it will be understood that various changes may be made in combination, construction and arrangement of parts by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Having thus described [my] our invention, what [I] we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a packaging machine, means for closing a carton having vertical side walls including folded gussets,-certain of which form pockets, and intermediate side walls at least one of which carry cover members for closing the top of said container, one of said cover members having side flaps to be introduced into the gusset pockets, which closing means includes a mold into which the carton is seated, inner cover folding means disposed at one side of said mold and adapted to fold an inner cover over the mouth of a carton, outer cover folding means disposed upon the opposite side of the mold and adapted-to fold the outer cover over the inner cover, said outer cover carrying the side flaps means carried by the outer cover folding means to fold the side fiaps parallel to each other and at right angles to the cover portion whereby the side flaps will be inserted into the gusset pockets as the carton is closed, and synchronous driving means for the two folding means whereby they will operate in succession to close the top of the carton.

2. The structure of claim 1 including yieldable means permitting the side fiap folding means to stand stationary while the outer cover folding member continues to move to the end of its folding stroke.

3. In a packaging machine, means for closing a carton which has vertical side walls, including folded gussets at opposite sides thereof, the outermost of said gussets forming pockets and intermediate side walls, each of which carries cover means for overlapping each other and closing the top of said container, one of said cover members having side flaps to be introduced into the gusset pockets, which closing means 19 includes: a mold into which the carton is seated with the intermediate side wallsat opposite sides of the mold, inner cover folding means disposed at the side of the mold upon which the associated intermediate side, Wallis positioned, saidrmeans adapted to fold the inner cover over the mouth of'the carton, outer coveriolding means, disposed upon the opposite side of the mold and adapted to fold the outer cover over the inner cover, said outer cover carrying the side flaps, means carried by the outer cover folding means to fold the side flaps parallel to each other as the outer cover is folded over the mouth of the carton and to introduce said side flaps into the gusset pockets as thecarton is closed, and synchronous driving means acting to move the first folding means to its folded position and'to retract said means as the second folding means moves to its folded position.

, ARDEN FARMS 00.,

By JOHN A. TONGUE, Vice President and Treasurer,

Assignee of Samuel H. Berch deceased.

References Cited mine file of this patent UNITED STATES PVATENTS Number Name Date Sedberry Feb. 10, 1903 Frehrs June 4, 1918 

